Device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence and method of use

ABSTRACT

A device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence includes a compressible body which has an internal cavity which contains the air. A noise making mechanism is connected to the compressible body. An odor producing material is disposed within the internal cavity. When the compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from the internal cavity and passes through the noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air contains an odor from the odor producing material. In an embodiment, the device is connected to a target article such as a toy.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/855,913, filed May 28, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains generally to olfactory auditory convergence, and more particularly to a device which produces same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Olfactory auditory convergence is the perceptual interplay between olfactory (smell) and auditory (sound) stimuli. The neural mechanisms relating to smelling and hearing at the same time is a perception or sense experience created from the convergence of sounds and smells in the brain. Simultaneous smell and sound stimuli can be used to create a desired interplay.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence. The device consists of noise maker, such as used in toys, which has an odor producing material located inside the body of the noise maker. The odor producing material can be placed in the noise maker either during or after manufacture. In an embodiment, the noise maker, or a portion thereof, can be disconnected from the body of the noise maker in order to introduce the odor producing material therein. When activated by compression (such as by pressing, grasping, squeezing, chewing, biting, etc.) the device simultaneously produces noise and releases the odor of the odor producing material. In various embodiments the odor producing material can be an essential oil or a synthetic pheromone, the odor producing longevity of which is increased by virtue of enclosure within the noise maker. The device can be utilized in articles such as plush (stuffed), plastic, or rubber toys and the like of any size, which are typically be used by children or animals. The present invention keeps the attention and stimulation of the user, usually but not limited to pets and children, by means of sound and smell combined. Pets and children respond well to sound and smell as these are the two most prevalent senses for animals. Dogs respond emotionally and physically well to essential oil(s) and synthetic pheromone(s), which in turn promotes a positive physical and mental health benefit.

Some of the features and advantages of the device are:

-   -   It enhances brain wave stimulation within the brain, due to the         sound and smell combination of harmonized liquid(s) and the         noise of the noise maker. This enables a heightened senses of         the sensory receptors in the brain connected to the nose and         ears, resulting in the potential to constantly stimulate senses         within the users to promote increase brain activity and         stimulation when the toy is being used.     -   The use of olfactory auditory convergence has emotional benefits         of positive mental stimulation to the user due to the auditory         and odor glands working simultaneously to invoke higher mental         receptor convergence.     -   The use of essential oils which are produced by plants have many         different stimulation points, by mixing the essential oils, the         multiple benefits can be used at once.     -   Essential oils contain antimicrobial elements, which is         antibacterial activities, which in turn produced antibacterial         environment in and around the toy in which the noise maker is         installed.     -   Having the essential oils in the noise maker is safe, and only         odor is released and not the liquid itself. This reduces the         possibility of an adverse reaction of the user. Only a drop or         two of the essential oil is needed. The essential oil can be         absorbed by the inner lining of the noise maker, while its odor         remains strong.     -   Due to the pleasant smell of essential oils, a constant         freshness of the toy or other article will remain inside and         out.     -   Natural extract smells and synthetic pheromones last longer than         artificial scents.

In accordance with an embodiment, a device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence includes a compressible body having an internal cavity which contains the air. A noise making mechanism is connected to the compressible body. An odor producing material is disposed within the internal cavity. When the compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from the internal cavity and passes through the noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air containing an odor from the odor producing material.

In accordance with another embodiment, the odor producing material is an essential oil.

In accordance with another embodiment, the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram.

In accordance with another embodiment, the odor producing material is a synthetic pheromone.

In accordance with another embodiment, the odor producing material includes a plurality of different odor producing materials.

In accordance with another embodiment, the compressible body and the noise making mechanism combine to form a conventional noise maker.

In accordance with another embodiment, the device is connectable to a target article.

In accordance with another embodiment, a carrier cooperates with the odor producing material to increase the longevity of the odor producing material.

Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the device and method of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the device;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the device;

FIG. 5 is an opposite end view of the device;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the device being compressed;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the device being compressed;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a plurality of different odor producing materials; and,

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a plurality of devices connected to a target article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-6, there are illustrated various views of a device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, the device generally designated as 20. FIGS. 7-8 are side elevation and cross sectional views respectively of device 20 being compressed. Device 20 includes a compressible body 22 which has an internal cavity 24 which contains the air 500 (refer to FIG. 8). A noise making mechanism 26 is connected to compressible body 22. Noise making mechanism 26 is valve which allows air 500 to pass into and out of the compressible body 22. Noise is created when air 500 passes out of compressible body 22 through noise making mechanism 26 as is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. In an embodiment, compressible body 22 and noise making mechanism 28 combine to form a conventional noise maker, which is known in the art and which is used in toys and novelty items. Noise making mechanisms 28 can emit noise at various frequencies. For example, noise making mechanism 28 can emit noise in the 63 Hz to 20,000 Hz range which can typically be heard by humans. Or, noise making mechanism 28 can emit noise above 20,000 Hz which can typically be heard by dogs and cats but not humans.

An odor producing material 28 is disposed within internal cavity 24. When compressible body 22 is compressed as in FIGS. 7 and 8, air 500 is expelled from internal cavity 24 and passes through noise making mechanism 26 causing it to make noise 600, the expelled air 500 containing an odor from odor producing material 28. The compression can be effected by various means such as pressing with the fingers, grasping, squeezing, chewing, biting, or any other means which causes the air 500 in internal cavity 24 to be expelled through noise making mechanism 26. Odor producing material 28 is a material which has specifically been placed in internal cavity 24 for the purpose of imparting an odor to the air 500 which is expelled when device 20 is compressed.

In one embodiment, odor producing material 28 is an essential oil. An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are commonly used within aromatherapy which has curative effects both physically and emotionally for humans and animals. An essential oil can also be referred to as “oil of”, such as in oil of cinnamon. The essential oil can be in either liquid or gel form. In one embodiment, the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram. It is known that these three essential oils produce a positive olfactory reaction in dogs. In other embodiments the essential oil may be any of the following: allspice berry, amyris, anise, basil, sweet bay, bergamot, white camphor, cardamom seed, carrot seed, cassia bark, atlas cedar, red cedarwood, german chamomile, roman chamomile, wild chamomile, cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, coriander seed, cypress, eucalyptus, sweet fennel, frankincense, geranium (bourbon), ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine absolute, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, lavender spike, lemon, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, lime, sweet marjoram, wild marjoram, myrrh, myrtle, neroli, nutmeg, mandarin orange, sweet orange, oregano, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, peru balsam, pine, rose absolute, rose otto, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, spearmint, spruce, tangerine, tea tree, red thyme, white thyme, vanilla, vetiver, wintergreen, ylang ylang.

In another embodiment, odor producing material 28 is a synthetic pheromone. Synthetic pheromones are not of a natural origin, but are typically produced in a lab. They contain fatty lipids (carbohydrates), acids such as lactic and acetic acids. Synthetic Pheromones are an excreted chemical factor which triggers social responses for either humans or animals.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing a plurality of different odor producing materials 28. The odor producing materials can either be disposed separately as shown, or can be mixed into one odor producing material 28 which has a plurality of odors.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a plurality of devices 20 connected to a target article 700. Target article 700 can be the shown toy, or can be any article to which device 20 can be connected and used by a user. Device 20 is connectable to target article 700. As used herein the terms “connected” and “connectable” include both implanting device 20 within target article 700, or externally attaching device 20 to target article 700. As shown, a device 20 is implanted in each of the extremities of target article 700 (a bear). In an embodiment, targe article 700 includes a first device 20A which uses air 500 to produce auditory convergence. Target article 700 also includes a second device 20B with uses air 500 to produce auditory convergence. Second device 20B includes an odor producing material 28 which produces a different odor from the odor producing material 28 of first device 20A. That is, when the right arm of target article 700 is compressed noise and one odor will be produced, and when the left arm of target article 700 is compressed noise and a different odor will be produced.

Device 20 has both animal and human applications. For example, dogs and cats typically become bored with generic toys that do not stimulate their natural instinct. Toys that claim to be indestructible become boring to the dogs/cats because they only serve a temporary purpose in a very short time. Generic squeaker toys entertain the dogs\cats on an auditory (hearing) level, but soon the dogs/cats get used to the sound, and get bored because they are looking for something else to stimulate them. The combined noise and smell stimuli of the present invention overcome this problem. Not only does the present invention produce sound, it also produces a natural odor(s) that the dogs/cats love. Combing the two main senses of sound and smell together in a toy gives the dogs/cats double mental stimulation to decrease boredom and increase playful interest. Using device 20 will give the dogs\cats or other pets constant enjoyment without the chance of boredom.

In human application, children's toys serve as basic tools which can help the growth of a child. Device 20 is ideal for baby's from 0-5 years of age for learning and stimulation. When mentally stimulation in humans is increased, learning capacity is also increased. Combining natural extracts of essential oils (or other odor producing material) inside a noise maker enables children to be entertained by the sound of the noise maker, and simultaneously experience the odor of the essential oil. This combined stimuli helps with the child's mental learning capabilities, and in addition can also help with a physical or emotional ailment.

In another embodiment, a carrier 29 cooperates with odor producing material 28 to increase the longevity of odor producing material 28 (refer to FIG. 6). That is carrier 29, makes the odor of odor producing material 28 last longer. In one embodiment carrier 29 is a liquid such as glycerin (also known as glycrine/glycerol), olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and the like. In this embodiment carrier 29 is mixed with odor producing material 28. In another embodiment, carrier 29 is a solid material such as polymer plastics, wool, cotton, synthetic wools, moisture paper (used in wet wipes), moisture paper (use in wet wipers), polyurethane absorbent materials, and the like, wherein odor producing material 28 is applied to carrier 29. And in yet another embodiment carrier 29 can be any of a polymer sponge, an absorbent gel, an oil absorbing polymer, a nanowire mesh paper, and an essential oil gelatin, wherein odor producing material 28 is applied to or mixed with carrier 29 as appropriate. It may be appreciated however that carrier 29 is not limited to the above cited items, but can rather be any substance which will prolong the longevity of odor producing material 28.

In another embodiment, a coating is used to protect the internal surface of compressible body 22 from high acidic essential oils which can cause surface damage to body 22. Such protection can be provided by acrylic lubricant spray, polyurethane lubricant spray, urethane lubricant spray, Teflon lubricant spray, silicon lubricant spray, and other similar items.

In terms of use, a method for using air to produce olfactory auditory convergence includes:

(a) providing a device 20 which uses the air 500 to produce olfactory auditory convergence, device 20 including:

-   -   a compressible body 22 having an internal cavity 24 which         contains the air 500;     -   a noise making mechanism 26 connected to compressible body 22;     -   an odor producing material 28 disposed within internal cavity         24;     -   when compressible body 22 is compressed, the air 500 is expelled         from internal cavity 24 and passes through noise making         mechanism 26 causing it to make noise 600, the expelled air 500         containing an odor from odor producing material 28; and,

(b) compressing compressible body 22.

The method further including:

providing a target article 700;

before (b), connecting device 20 to target article 700; and,

in (b), compressing target article 700 causing compressible body 22 to compress.

The method further including:

providing a second device 20 with uses the air 500 to produce olfactory auditory convergence;

second device 20 including an odor producing material 28 which produces a different odor from odor producing material 28 of device 20;

before (b), connecting the second device 20 to target article 700; and,

in (b), also compressing target article 700 causing the compressible body of the second device 20 to compress.

The embodiments of the device and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the device, system, and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, the device comprising: a compressible body having an internal cavity which contains the air; a noise making mechanism connected to said compressible body; an odor producing material disposed within said internal cavity; and, when said compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from said internal cavity and passes through said noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air containing an odor from said odor producing material.
 2. The device according to claim 1, further including: said odor producing material being an essential oil.
 3. The device according to claim 2, further including: said essential oil being selected from the group consisting of chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram.
 4. The device according to claim 1, further including: said odor producing material being a synthetic pheromone.
 5. The device according to claim 1, further including: said odor producing material including a plurality of different odor producing materials.
 6. The device according to claim 1, further including; said compressible body and said noise making mechanism combining to form a conventional noise maker.
 7. The device according to claim 1, the device cooperating with a target article, the device further including: said device connectable to the target article.
 8. The device according to claim 1, further including: a carrier which cooperates with said odor producing material to increase the longevity of said odor producing material.
 9. An olfactory auditory convergence system which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, the system comprising: a target article; a device which uses the air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, said device having a compressible body having an internal cavity which contains the air; a noise making mechanism connected to said compressible body; an odor producing material disposed within said internal cavity; when said compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from said internal cavity and passes through said noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air containing an odor from said odor producing material; and, said device connected to said target article.
 10. The system according to claim 9, further including: said odor producing material being an essential oil.
 11. The system according to claim 10, further including: said essential oil being selected from the group consisting of chamomile, lavender, and sweet marjoram.
 12. The system according to claim 9, further including: said odor producing material being a synthetic pheromone.
 13. The system according to claim 9, further including: said odor producing including a plurality of different odor producing materials.
 14. The system according to claim 9, further including: said compressible body and said noise making mechanism combining to form a conventional noise maker.
 15. The system according to claim 9, further including: a second device with uses the air to produce auditory convergence; and, said second device including an odor producing material which produces a different odor from said odor producing material of said device.
 16. The system according to claim 9, further including: a carrier which cooperates with said odor producing material to increase the longevity of said odor producing material.
 17. A method for using air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, comprising: (a) providing a device which uses the air to produce olfactory auditory convergence, the device including: a compressible body having an internal cavity which contains the air; a noise making mechanism connected to said compressible body; an odor producing material disposed within said internal cavity; when said compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from said internal cavity and passes through said noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air containing an odor from said odor producing material; and, (b) compressing said compressible body.
 18. The method of claim 17, further including: providing a target article; before (b), connecting said device to said target article; and, in (b), compressing said target article causing said compressible body to compress.
 19. The method of claim 18, further including: providing a second device with uses the air to produce olfactory auditory convergence; said second device including an odor producing material which produces a different odor from said odor producing material of said device; before (b), connecting said second device to said target article; and, in (b), also compressing said target article causing said compressible body of said second device to compress. 